The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has unveiled its nominations for the 2026 awards, sparking immediate discussion and surprise within the entertainment industry. One notable omission that has captured global attention is the exclusion of the Korean animated sensation, 'KPop Demon Hunters'. This film, which triumphed at the Golden Globe Awards 2026 by securing the Best Animated Feature prize, and is also in contention for the Oscars 2026, found itself conspicuously absent from the BAFTA list.
Why Was 'KPop Demon Hunters' Snubbed by BAFTA 2026?
The primary reason behind this surprising snub lies in the eligibility criteria set by BAFTA. 'KPop Demon Hunters' achieved viral status and became a smash hit following its direct release on the Netflix streaming platform in June of the previous year. However, since the movie did not have a theatrical run in the United Kingdom prior to its OTT debut, it failed to meet the necessary requirements for BAFTA consideration. Interestingly, a singalong version of the animated film was later introduced in cinemas, but this did not alter its eligibility status for the 2026 awards cycle.
About the Viral Animated Film
Directed by the talented duo of Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, 'KPop Demon Hunters' boasts an impressive voice cast including Arden Cho, Ahn Hyo-seop, May Hong, Ji-young Yoo, Yunjin Kim, Daniel Dae Kim, Ken Jeong, and Lee Byung-hun. The film's captivating storyline revolves around 'Huntrix', a K-pop girl band that doubles as demon hunters, who find themselves embroiled in a thrilling music battle with a new rival boy band named 'The Saja Boys'. Unbeknownst to many, the members of this boy group are actually demons in disguise, adding a layer of supernatural intrigue to the narrative.
Beyond its Golden Globe victory, the film has also been honored with the Best Animated Feature Film award at the prestigious 31st Critics' Choice Awards, further cementing its critical acclaim and popularity among audiences worldwide.
BAFTA 2026 Nominations Overview
While 'KPop Demon Hunters' may have been overlooked, the BAFTA 2026 nominations are led by Leonardo DiCaprio's 'One Battle After Another', which has garnered an impressive 14 nominations across various categories. Following closely is Ryan Coogler's 'Sinners', featuring Michael B. Jordan, with 13 nominations. The award ceremony is scheduled to take place on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at the iconic Royal Festival Hall in London, promising an evening of glamour and recognition for the film industry's finest.
The exclusion of 'KPop Demon Hunters' from the BAFTA nominations highlights the ongoing debate surrounding eligibility rules in the age of digital streaming, while simultaneously underscoring the film's significant achievements on other prestigious platforms such as the Golden Globes and the Oscars.
